As the state-sponsored endorsement rally for Governor Abiodun Oyebanji peaked on Monday, July 28th in Ekiti State, cracks began to appear within the administration, as some senior aides resigned from their positions in protest over what they described as administrative stagnation and underperformance.
Contrary to the image of unity and overwhelming support presented by the organizers of the endorsement campaign, aimed at positioning Governor Oyebanji as the sole All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election, resignations have highlighted growing discontent within the government.
Mr. Dada Abiodun John, the Senior Special Assistant on Solid Minerals, resigned his appointment during the height of the event, joining a list of aides who have recently exited the administration. Within the last two months, no fewer than three top aides have stepped down. The first was Mr. Wale Ade Oba in June, followed by Israel Adesokan, the Senior Special Assistant on Security, who resigned about four weeks ago.
Sources close to the government said the deteriorating state of infrastructure, including roads, education, healthcare, and the pervasive poverty across the state were major reasons behind the resignations. The former officials reportedly cited a lack of meaningful development and an unwillingness to associate with what they described as “non-performance.”
Residents interviewed expressed frustration over what they see as the government’s inability to deliver tangible improvements in the past three years. Many noted that no legacy project has been completed or commissioned under the current administration.
While other states are launching innovative, revenue-generating initiatives such as state-owned airlines and large-scale public projects, critics say Ekiti State has instead focused on low-impact efforts, such as the inauguration of local council gates and lock-up shops, developments they argue fall short of the state’s pressing needs.
Further fueling public discontent are claims that several former governors, political leaders, and community influencers are on the government’s payroll. According to concerned residents, funds that could have been invested in critical infrastructure are being diverted to sustain political patronage networks and organize elaborate endorsement events.
